Pattern Strips
About This Worksheet
Pattern Strips is a kindergarten activity that helps children continue AB patterns for several more steps. Each row shows a repeating sequence and then gives three empty boxes at the end. Children study the pattern and draw the next three pictures in the correct order. For example, after apple, leaf, apple, leaf, apple, the next three pictures are leaf, apple, leaf. This gives children more practice keeping the repeating rule going over several spaces.
Curriculum and Grade Alignment
This worksheet is intended for kindergarten learners who are becoming confident with AB patterns. The main goal is to help children extend a repeating pattern beyond just one or two missing pictures. Before beginning, your child should be able to recognize which two pictures alternate in an AB pattern. The next step is working with longer repeating units such as AAB, ABB, or ABC. This activity builds early algebraic reasoning through sequencing, prediction, and repeated rule use.
Student Tasks
On this worksheet, students will study eight picture strips. They will identify the two pictures that repeat in each row and then draw the next three items in the blank boxes. The patterns use apples and leaves, fish and shells, suns and clouds, hats and mittens, kites and balloons, drums and bells, books and pencils, and frogs and lily pads. Children need to keep the order correct across all three blanks. This strengthens visual memory, sequencing, and pattern extension.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions
Some children may get the first missing picture right but repeat it in all three boxes. Others may forget where they are in the sequence after drawing one answer. A child may also copy the final three pictures shown instead of continuing the rule. Encourage your child to say the next three items aloud before drawing them. Tapping each blank box while speaking the pattern can also help keep the order straight.
Implementation Guidance
Teachers can use this worksheet after children have successfully completed one- and two-picture pattern extensions. It works well as independent practice because the rule stays simple while the response gets longer. Parents can have the child point across the row and say the pattern into the blank spaces before drawing. If your child gets stuck, ask them to look back at the last four pictures and find the repeating pair. This keeps the focus on the pattern rather than guessing.
Details and Features
This worksheet includes eight AB picture patterns with three blank boxes at the end of each row. Large colorful pictures make the repeating pair easy to identify. The extra third blank provides a stronger check of whether children truly understand the sequence. Clear horizontal rows support left-to-right tracking. The printable supports pattern extension, visual memory, sequencing, and drawing.